Pre-Award Grants Specialist

Job Summary:

This position creates an opportunity to join an existing team of pre-award grants specialists in a wonderful remote team environment. You can work with cutting-edge pediatric faculty in their fields by supporting their research through various post-award functions. The position supports the Associate Grant Program Director, Principal Investigators, as well as various other members in department leadership. 

Key Responsibilities:

• This position is part of the Department of Pediatrics' centralized Pre-Award team.

• Interpret the sponsor’s specific funding announcement and be able to explain to the Principal Investigator what is required for institutional approval by the published deadline.

• Prepare complex, multi-year budgets and review prior to submission.

• Internally route all Department of Pediatric grants and contracts for appropriate approvals, as per established institutional and sponsor deadlines.

• Prepare and obtain necessary approvals for Pre-Award Requests.

Work Location:

Remote – this role is eligible to work remotely, but the employee must be in the United States.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Pediatric Pre-Award Team is a supportive and knowledgeable group working with various sections within the pediatric department.  The exposure to the various types of grants and contracts, the training provided, as well as the team’s overall commitment to continuing education is unmatched.  

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced-rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Accounting, Finance, or a business-related major.

  • Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.

• Three (3) or more years of experience in preparing detailed budgets for complex multi-year funding mechanisms.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in preparing contracts, subcontracts, project agreements, and/or memorandums of understanding.

• Experience using integrated accounting, purchasing, and payroll systems.

• Experience working with InfoEd Proposal Development System or similar grant submission software.

• Experience working in an academic environment or medical center.

• Experience working with PeopleSoft (HCM/Finance).

• Experience in pre- and post-award grant/contract administration.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

• Must be willing and able to pass national criminal and sex offender background checks.

• Must successfully pass a 10-panel drug screen through Children’s Hospital Colorado.

*For questions regarding Children’s Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children’s Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children’s Hospital or its systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse community and employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Time management, independent thought, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential.

• Demonstrated ability to self-manage priorities and be proactive in resolving issues.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of tact and diplomacy.

• Experience using spreadsheets (Excel), email (Outlook), and calendar software.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Jeanette Leeser, Jeanette.Leeser@childrenscolorado.org

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 23, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $67,864 to $90,937.

The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine-preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety-sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.